England coast to victory in Pakistan

England coasted to a comprehensive victory over Pakistan A at the National Stadium to leave them unbeaten heading into the start of the one-day international series on Tuesday.  

Replying to Pakistan A's lowly 169 for seven, England completed their 10 wickets victory with 20.2 overs remaining with openers Marcus Trescothick and Alec Stewart both feigning injuries to allow captain Nasser Hussain and Graham Thorpe useful time at the crease.

Facing a side comprising mainly of young players, England were never likely to chase a big target with Andrew Caddick making up for his wayward display against the Governor's XI by claiming three for 15 to ensure Pakistan A failed to enjoy a flying start to their innings.

But the biggest bonus for England was the return of Ashley Giles, who has been prevented from playing in any match since injuring his calf in the warm-up match to the ICC Trophy tournament against Australia, but made the most of his comeback.

Warwickshire's left-arm spinner claimed three for 43 and, more importantly, demonstrated both his fitness and ability to return at the end of an innings and act as a "death bowler".

Chasing a modest target, both Trescothick and Stewart were dropped before retiring with "injuries" within six overs of each other to allow out-of-sorts Hussain and Thorpe practice ahead of Tuesday's opening one-day international.